Kindness Without Borders: Holy Family's Parish and Academy Reach the World

What can a small group of people do to make their world a little kinder? Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness set out to answer that question. Pastor Fr. Terry Keehan and Sue Geegan, Director of Human Concerns, and the parish’s Welcome the Stranger had an idea.

The Welcome the Stranger ministry was founded to support refugee families legally resettled in the Chicago area. “These families are some of the most vetted people on earth," explained Larry Buettner, co-ministry leader with his wife, Myra. "Many have spent years in refugee camps waiting for placement." Partnering with Exodus World Services, the ministry educated the community about the refugee experience. The parishioners responded generously, donating household goods to help newly arrived families establish homes. "We saw firsthand how kindness is truly a universal language," said Myra Buettner. "It bridges gaps between cultures, backgrounds, and experiences."

Inspired by those experiences, Holy Family expanded its focus and challenged parishioners to perform simple acts of kindness for their families, neighbors, and communities. Holy Family Catholic Academy (HFCA) enthusiastically joined the effort.

"As a faith-based International Baccalaureate World School, HFCA's mission is to develop global citizens with minds to lead and hearts to serve," said Principal Dr. Kate O'Brien, adding, "Our school community represents over 40 countries and 30 languages, making us uniquely positioned to spread kindness globally."

The Welcome the Stranger Ministry and HFCA invited schools, faith communities, and individuals to join the cause. Participants used an online form to record acts of kindness, allowing organizers to track the initiative's impact.

What began as a grassroots effort quickly grew into something much larger. Organizations such as Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, as well as other Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Muslim communities, and people with no religious affiliation, began to participate. An interactive map displayed at Holy Family showed acts of kindness spreading to 48 states, nearly 40 countries, and six continents. By the project's conclusion, more than 30,000 acts of kindness had been reported.

HFCA students found creative ways to participate. Middle school students began each day by reflecting on opportunities to spread kindness, while third graders created a presentation to welcome an Italian student joining the school this fall. A former HFCA family that returned to Japan embraced the initiative as well. "I saw much kindness at Holy Family," shared the parent. "I was happy to spread kindness when I returned to Tokyo."

Scientists have found that acts of kindness activate the brain's reward system, encouraging people to repeat the behavior. Holy Family hopes this project is only the beginning.

This initiative proved a simple truth: while kindness begins with one person, its impact knows no borders.